Smoltz sticks with Braves

Smoltz helped Atlanta win the 1995 World Series

Veteran pitcher John Smoltz has agreed a new two-year contract to stay with Atlanta.

The terms of the deal, which also includes an option for 2007, were not disclosed.

It means that Smoltz, who has spent all 17 of his major-league seasons with Atlanta, will likely finish his career with the Braves.

He had one year remaining on his current contract and was due to make $12m this coming season.

However, with the 37-year-old returning to the starting rotation in 2005, the Braves needed to re-structure his contract.

His old deal included a clause which meant he would have received an additional $100,000 for each start.

Smoltz, who has saved 154 games in the last four years as Atlanta's closer, will move back to a starting role due to the club's acquisition of All-Star reliever Danny Kolb from Milwaukee.

A six-time All-Star, he won 157 games as a starting pitcher and won the 1996 National League Cy Young award.

That season saw him post a 24-8 record, a 2.94 ERA and a career-high 276 strikeouts during Atlanta's run to the World Series.

Smolz is one of only two pitchers in major league history to record 150 wins and 150 saves - Dennis Eckersley is the other.

Atlanta have acquired pitcher Tim Hudson from Oakland in exchange for outfielder Charles Thomas, right-hander Juan Cruz and left-hander Dan Meyer.

Chicago White Sox second baseman Juan Uribe has agreed a three-year $9.75m deal which also includes an option for 2008.

Uribe, 25, batted .283 last year in his first major league baseball season with the White Sox.

Seattle have agreed a five-year, $65m deal with third baseman Adrian Beltre, one day after signing first baseman Richie Sexson to a four-year $50m contract.